June 16, 2012 -- lunch with Fred Waterhouse

You may have been wondering why La Crosse, Wisconsin, was on our itinerary. After all, it's not really much of a happenin' tourist spot. All that is true. However someone very special lives there: Fred Waterhouse!

Fred is one of the Dyer family's oldest friends, but Theresa had not seen him in about 30 years. We met up at The Hungry Peddler, a restaurant in La Crosse, with Fred, his son Michael, and his sister-in-law Sue Ann, who Theresa was meeting for the first time. (Note to the Dyers: She looks a lot like her sister Donna!)

Much fun was had over a delicious, plentiful meal. Memories and funny stories about loved ones living and dead were shared. But dear Dyer clan, we are sorry to report that no photographs were taken. However rest Assured that Fred looks pretty much the same, only a little grayer and maybe a little shorter. And while there are no photographs, we do have a picture of sorts to share.



This is a drawing of Fred which is signed and dated April 22, 1970. Fred surprised us all by pulling it out of his pocket during lunch and insisting that Theresa take it with her. Such a touching gesture, and so much appreciated.